Leather Gracilaria is not a fish but a type of red seaweed (Gracilaria spp.), widely valued for its use in agar production, food, and as a raw material in various industries. The top countries involved in the harvesting and cultivation of Gracilaria include China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Chile. These countries have favorable coastal environments for Gracilaria farming and have developed significant aquaculture industries around this seaweed. China is the world’s leading producer, utilizing both wild harvest and extensive aquaculture systems. Indonesia and the Philippines follow closely, with large-scale coastal farms supporting both local consumption and export markets. The Gracilaria industry provides important livelihoods for coastal communities and plays a vital role in the global supply of agar and related products.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.